The western Balkan region is a nature lovers’ paradise. Most of the region is situated in the heart of the central Dinaric Alps – one of Europe’s most unexplored mountain ranges. Each country offers a vast range of activities, from adventure to relaxation, on both land and water. Hiking and trekking is a popular activity in the national parks and whitewater rafting is a well-developed adventure sport in BiH and Montenegro. Although one may have to look a bit harder, it’s well worth the effort when it comes to rural tourism and enjoying the traditional lifestyles and cuisine of the highlands. There are more and more B&B’s being established in mountain villages as well as small guest houses that offer accommodation, food, and light outdoor activities.

Via Dinarica is a platform that serves to promote and develop the local communities and small businesses active on local, national, and international level in the field of hospitality, service and tourism, as well as agriculture and cultural heritage. Its purpose is to connect the countries and communities of Dinaric Alps by creating a unique and diversified tourist offer. A similar model, Via Alpina, has been implemented in the European Union, connecting eight countries in the region of Alps with over 5000 km of mountain trails. This model been shown to be a sustainable and effective long-term economic development strategy. Via Dinarica promotes tourism for the purpose of economic development of the region, while preserving the environment and respecting the sociocultural diversity and authenticity of local communities.

The final goal of Via Dinarica is to make connections between cities and rural communities in the region, raise awareness on good business practices and environment protection, create a tourist offer which relies on natural beauties, traditional products and the unique cultural heritage, as well as to link stakeholders in the region for the purpose of jump starting sustainable economic development. Beginning in 2010, the first micro pilot project was implemented to test and develop the Via Dinarica idea through the cross-border project between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro supported by the European Union.

We are now in phase II. This current project, supported by UNDP and USAID will serve as the basis for the development of similar smaller and larger-scale projects throughout the region.